Newsroom Detail

Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced a new, statewide initiative to assist communities recovering from the impacts of wildfires. In two upcoming listening sessions, Governor Brown will hear from business owners, employees, and local leaders who have been economically impacted by wildfire. She will use their input to inform a newly created Wildfire Recovery Council that will identify and pursue solutions to promote economic recovery.

In the upcoming listening sessions, Governor Brown will “bring the Capitol” to communities impacted by wildfire to make sure state agencies hear directly from the people who have been affected. The first town hall will be Sept. 29 in Cascade Locks. An additional listening session in Brookings will be announced next week.

"While the firefighting is not finished, we have turned a corner and it is now time to focus on recovery," Governor Brown said. "This year's fire season was one of the most intense in recent history. Not only did fires destroy property and uproot families, wildfire smoke also impacted communities and businesses across the state. As we brace for another wet winter and the increased risk of landslides and flooding, we must be proactive and think innovatively about how we help communities and businesses get back on their feet and back to work.

"We are Oregonians, and working together, we will get this done."

Governor Brown has directed state agencies to assess local recovery needs and deploy all available resources to support recovery efforts. Recognizing the constraints on state and local resources.

The Governor has also been actively engaging federal agencies and working with Oregon's congressional delegation to seek federal assistance. Governor Brown applauds the efforts that resulted in a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to repair damaged roads.